Page 41 of Playing to Win
“We’ll let them rest for a bit and then maybe you could go over there and grab all the guys we used in the video from last week?” Gwen’s brows shoot up, her expression hopeful.
“I can gather them up,” I tell her.
Gwen acts like a boss most of the time, so it’s funny how she gets nervous around the football players. Though I guess they’re pretty intimidating. Tall and broad and boisterous and confident. It’s a lot.
After giving them a few minutes, I walk across the field, stopping just in front of them and pasting on my brightest smile. “Hey, guys! How are you?”
They all offer me a halfhearted greeting and I realize these guys are still in a funk, which sucks. I don’t get it either. They should feel pretty good after pulling out a win Saturday. The game was close but they ended up on top.
Right now, though? I need them in a better mood to make this video.
“Can we get the guys who appeared in the video last week to film with us for a few minutes?” I glance over at Mattson, who’s observing all of us, his gaze narrowed. “If that’s okay with you, Coach?”
“Go ahead. Don’t take too long though. These boys need some serious work.” His voice is tinged with irritation.
Okay then.
There are a few groans from the group, but all six of the guys who filmed with us last week approach me with friendly smiles, including Ace.
“What’s up, future MILF?” His light blue eyes are twinkling as he stands directly in front of me but I choose to ignore him.
“Follow me, boys.” I wave a hand and they all fall into step behind me as I lead them to where Gwen is waiting. She has them stand in front of her and smile, even flex their arm muscles if they want and most of them do. With the exception of Ace.
“Trying to stay modest,” he tells Gwen with the utmost sincerity before she starts recording and I roll my eyes.
This man. He’s full of it.
Once Gwen is done, Mattson looks ready to get them back on the field, his fingers curled around his whistle like he’s gonna blow at any second. Ace stops right next to me before he rejoins the team, his head tilting toward mine.
“You should go to Logan’s tonight.” His voice is deep and sincere and I’m baffled.
Where did this come from?
“Why?” I fight the giddiness that rises at his request. I could assume he was asking me on a date, but requesting I meet him at a bar doesn’t qualify as a date.
“It’s Monday night. Half-price night.”
“So?” I mean, I love a deal like anyone else but come on.
“I don’t know. I thought it could be—fun.” I chance a look at him, steeling myself from the power of his smile. “We should catch up.”
“Catch up about what?” I ask warily.
“Anything. Everything. I like talking to you, Red.” He reaches out, his fingers curling around my chin, tilting my face up. “I like looking at you too. Whatcha think? Tonight, say around nine?”
What in the world is going on? Am I dreaming?
No. No, I’m not. I stare at Ace’s smiling face, my brain scrambling to come up with a reply. I should say no. I don’t know what he’s about or why he’s asking me to meet him at Logan’s. Is he trying to charm my panties off? It wouldn’t be too difficult for him to do. I try to look tough. Remain resilient.
But the way he’s looking at me right now, the confident smile and easygoing attitude, his warm fingers still curled around my chin, it’s enough to make me say yes and forget all about my earlier concerns in regards to this way too sexy man.
“Did you knock something loose earlier?” I ask, and he frowns. “When you took that hit?”
He chuckles, the warm sound winding its way through my blood, leaving me a quaking mess. I lock my knees together so my legs won’t give way. “Nah. I’m stronger than I look.”
I say nothing. The man definitely looks plenty strong.
“Why are you asking me to meet you at Logan’s?”
